The Yorkshire Dales countryside with rolling hills and sheep

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30 July 2024

The 5 Best Countryside Holiday Destinations in England

As a company dedicated to handcrafting beautiful, bespoke shepherd huts, we know how enchanting the English countryside can be. Whether you’re a glamping enthusiast or someone looking to offer unique accommodations on your private land, our shepherd huts provide the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. 

In this guide, we’ll talk about five of the best destinations in England that not only showcase the country’s natural beauty but also offer the ideal settings for our shepherd huts. 

Why countryside shepherd huts are always a hit with UK holiday goers

Where does the shepherd’s hut popularity come from with those holidaying in the UK? It’s down to their aesthetic, their functionality, and being able to step through the door right into the countryside. Guests love the instant access that shepherd huts offer, as well as the cosy, comfortable feel that these gorgeous structures are known for.

The following areas of England are famed for their natural beauty, making them the perfect locations for rustic shepherd huts.

1. North Norfolk and the Norfolk Broads

While the entire county of Norfolk is beautiful, North Norfolk and the Broads are a perfect example of the stunning scenery it has to offer. Historic market towns, rolling fields, picturesque waterways and idyllic coastlines await any visitor wishing to breathe in the county’s fresh air and luscious countryside. We’re based in Norfolk, so you can trust our firsthand opinion of all it has to offer.

North Norfolk is home to a number of beautiful manor houses and national parks, giving you a list of perfect days out. The many beaches that span the Norfolk Coast each have their own unique charm, such as the colourful summer huts of Wells-Next-The-Sea, the adorable seal colonies in Blakeney and Hunstantan, and the quaint seaside towns of Sheringham and Cromer. 

For stunning green countryside, the Norfolk Broads cannot be beat. Thriving nature reserves, stately home gardens, windmills, abbeys, pubs, and so much more are just waiting to be discovered. Hire a boat for the day or weekend, sail leisurely down the river, and experience true peace amongst the nature and wildlife of Norfolk.

Norfolk is the perfect place for a shepherd hut, with its countless camping and glamping sites and the large influx of visitors every month. Tourists to Norfolk almost always opt for countryside accommodation, so take advantage of this by investing in a beautiful, rustic shepherd’s hut to heighten their holiday experience.

2. The Lake District

Incredibly popular with lovers of nature and open spaces, the Lake District offers some of the best countryside the UK has to offer. This area in the North West of England is so incredible that even superstar Taylor Swift wrote a song, ‘The Lakes’, about her stay in Windermere, the largest lake in England. The lyrics have themes of escapism and utopia, which perfectly describe this idyllic location.

This vast destination is made for long weekends or week getaways filled with walking, hiking, biking, and simply enjoying time away from the hustle of city life. Lose yourself in the views, spend time paddleboarding on the 16 lakes, and get back in touch with yourself by leaving your smartphone on silent.

Camping and glamping are a must in the Lake District, with many visitors looking to spend as much time outside as possible. A shepherd hut provides the escape holiday goers are looking for, giving them the chance to stare up at the stars until the moment they turn in for the night. 

3. The Peak District

Nestled in the midlands between Manchester and Sheffield, the Peak District is a stunning area of natural beauty. While the word ‘peak’ in the name doesn’t come from the area’s landscape, the Peak District is still home to rolling hills and steep valleys. Explore the incredible terrain and soak up the countryside on long walks, hikes, bike rides and horse rides while staying in this beautiful area of the UK. 

England’s first National Trail, Pennine Way, starts in the Peak District in Derbyshire and ends at the Scottish border. It’s 268 miles long and takes around 16-19 days to walk it, though many prefer to spend a week walking specific parts of this awe-inspiring trail known as the backbone of England.

Shepherd huts on campsites and land along the way can provide walkers with luxurious yet rustic accommodations for the night to rest their weary feet. A comfortable bed, heating, running water and a fully fitted shower room and kitchen can give those tackling the stunning trail a chance to unwind and recuperate.

4. The Cotswolds

Arguably one of the most picturesque areas in the United Kingdom, the Cotswolds sit in the southwest and are bursting with character. Quaint villages, bubbling streams, rolling hills, and beautiful meadows greet visitors, making the Cotswolds an incredibly popular destination for UK holidays. 

Many flock to the Cotswolds for its honey-hued stone architecture, Warwick Castle, churches and cathedrals, traditional pubs and truly captivating countryside. It’s also home to the most romantic street in Britain, strangely named Corpse Hill Road, a place so beautiful that it seems to come straight from classic love story novels.

People like to feel at one with nature when visiting the Cotswolds, making it perfect for shepherd’s huts. For campsites, glamping sites and private land nestled in this wonderful, historic area, a well-placed shepherd hut can allow guests to stay connected to the traditional feel of the Cotswolds while sleeping in luxury.

5. Yorkshire Dales

Thousands of square miles of countryside lay before you when visiting the Yorkshire Dales in the north of England. Hills, valleys and moors create an idyllic landscape, paired with fresh air that makes visitors feel like new. 

Visit the Gordale Scar and witness the incredible limestone ravine with two waterfalls and overhanging cliffs, explore the Bolton Abbey ruins, and venture into the amazing Gaping Gill cave. With so much to do, the Yorkshire Dales are a hit with solo adventurers and families alike, waiting to astound with its picture-perfect scenery and countryside.

Enjoy the countryside in a Black Sheep Shepherd Hut

Our shepherd huts look right at home in the English countryside. With their natural feel and traditional design, our huts blend in with their surroundings, sitting cosy amongst flowering meadows and flourishing woodlands. They are a fantastic source of income and can bring a full return on your investment within the year, depending on how much a night’s stay costs.

Placing huts around England’s most beautiful countryside locations offers visitors and holidaygoers authentic yet luxurious accommodation to really complete their UK holiday. With a well-dressed interior and much-loved additions such as firepits and hot tubs, you can create the ideal holiday destination for all types of visitors.
Get in touch today to discuss our three hut designs and which is the right choice for you and your land or site. Call us on 07789 778699 to speak to the team, or use our simple online enquiry form.

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